170 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates ; 20 cm

Written with the narrative pacing of a novel, this absorbing biography of musical legend Nat King Cole (1917-1965) traces his rise to fame, from boy-wonder jazz genius to black megastar in a racist society. Daniel Mark Epstein brings Cole and his times to vivid life as he profiles the first African American to have his own television show. Illustrations

Includes bibliography and discography

Monterey-stax tops the pops -- Macon-home in your heart -- Memphis-soul stew -- McLemore magic -- Otis blue -- Soul lexicographer -- Soul invasion-Otis in Europe -- Madison, Wisconsin-dreams to remember -- Amen -- Timeline -- Bibliography -- Discography

Part 1: Chicago -- Kid--Chicago, 1935 -- Gatemouth -- Flight Out of Egypt -- Schoolboys -- Bud Billiken Days -- On the Town -- Savoy Ballroom -- September 8, 1935 -- Brothers -- Nadine -- Part 2: Los Angeles -- Sunshine and shadow -- Trio -- Year on the road -- Fly Right -- Carlos, and Capitol Records -- Big Money -- Changes -- Maria -- Engaged -- Part 3: America -- Wedding Bells -- Nature boy -- Home of Their wwn -- Price of Fame -- Bop City to Dixie -- Family -- Tax man -- Big show -- Together and apart -- Mobbed -- Home aAgain -- Part 4: This world and the next -- Television -- Sammy and Harry and the General -- Games and children -- Dawn of a new decade -- Jackpot attraction -- Love and death -- Epilogue -- Acknowledgments -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index

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